The Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) Project was launched in 2016 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with the goal of encouraging young individuals to pursue agriculture as a sustainable livelihood. Aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills, self-reliance, and sustainable agriculture practices, the ARYA Project is implemented through 100 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across India, specifically focused on empowering rural youth in various agricultural enterprises, including horticulture, livestock, and value-added products. Under the guidance of ICAR-ATARI Zone-VII, the following KVKs in the NEH region have been actively involved in ARYA:

KVK Senapati (Manipur), KVK Wokha (Nagaland), KVK Tuensang (Nagaland), KVK Lunglei (Mizoram), KVK Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya) and KVK Dhalai (Tripura).

The project is led by Principal Investigator Mrs. Divya Parisa., with the overarching guidance of Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director of ICAR-ATARI Zone VII. The KVKs provide training, technical support, and initial financial assistance to young farmers, enabling them to establish profitable agri-business ventures.

The ARYA Project has had a transformative impact, especially in the Northeastern Hill (NEH) region, by helping youth secure sustainable income through agriculture, promoting community development, and revitalizing interest in farming.